Ascension Day comes forty days after Easter. It is the day we celebrate Jesus ascending up to heaven.

Focus

The day has three themes: 1) Jesus Christ is the light in us; 2) Jesus Christ rules all creation; Jesus Christ will welcomeus into his fellowship.

Mood

The disciples weren't sure what would happen after Jesus ascended. We know that the Spirit did come and we celebrate that on Pentecost.

Symbol

Jesus commands us to be the "light of the world." Individual candles symbolize Jesus light shining in our lives.

Worship Leaflets

Have the Paschal candle in the center of the table with individual candles for each person. Each person takes light from the Christ/Paschal candle before it is extinguished. (In some traditions the Paschal Candle is extinguished on Ascension Day, showing that Christ had returned to the Father, while in others it remains through the Easter season.) As the light is removed it shows that Christ has truly risen and is Lord of all times and of all places.

Prepare for Pentecost on the nine days between Ascension and Pentecost by reflecting on the nine fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5.22). Talk about one each day, asking: How is this quality present in our family? or not? How would our lives be different if we had more of it in our family? In the world? How might this fruit be cultivated?

Use nine red candles, lighting one for each fruit (one for the first day, two for the next, etc.).